Mary of Bethany: the Disciple History Mistook

Cláudio Fajardo de Castro

Often, when we hear about Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, we immediately associate her image with that of a “sinful woman” who repented, according to a religious tradition. However, a careful study of the Gospel and its historical context reveals that this reputation is actually the result of a centuries-old misunderstanding. For us Spiritists, untangling this confusion is essential in order to understand the true identity of these Spirits who lived alongside the Master.

1. The 1,500-Year Misunderstanding: The Error of Pope Gregory I

The confusion officially began in 591 A.D. In his Homily 33, Pope Gregory I declared that the “anonymous sinful woman” from Luke 7, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany, were all the same person.

The intention was to create the image of a “perfect penitent” in order to strengthen moral preaching. Although the purpose may have been well-intentioned, the result was a confusion regarding the true identity of Mary of Bethany, who came to bear a stigma that the biblical text itself never assigned to her. It was not until 1969 that the Catholic Church formally corrected this mistake, officially distinguishing the women as separate figures.

2. Mary of Bethany: the Disciple of Study and Light

Unlike the so-called “sinful woman,” Mary of Bethany is portrayed as a soul of profound spiritual maturity and elevation.

● The “Better Part”: In the famous episode where she sits at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38–42), Mary assumes the role of a true disciple. At that time, sitting at a teacher’s feet was a privilege reserved exclusively for men studying the Law. By defending her choice, Jesus validates the role of women in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, anticipating by centuries what we witness today.

● A Respected Family: The account of Lazarus’ death reveals that important figures from Jerusalem came to comfort the sisters. Within the rigid social structure of that time, a woman considered “immoral” would never have had such social acceptance or the respect of the religious leaders of Judea.

3. The “Anonymous Sinful Woman” from Galilee: a Different Context

The account in Luke 7 takes place in Galilee (in the north), months before the anointing performed by Mary in Judea (in the south).

● The woman described in Luke is a soul in deep suffering, seeking forgiveness for a life marked by mistakes;

● Mary of Bethany, on the other hand, anoints Jesus as a prophetic gesture of gratitude after the resurrection of her brother.

Although both hosts were named Simon (an extremely common name at the time), the settings and spiritual motivations are entirely different. While one scene represents the awakening of repentance, the other symbolizes faithfulness and deep spiritual understanding.

4. The Perspective Presented in “Good News”

In Spiritist literature, this distinction becomes even clearer. In Good News, the Spirit Humberto de Campos devotes an entire chapter to describing the beauty of the household in Bethany. He portrays it as a home filled with harmony, where Jesus found refuge and sincere friendship. The spiritual author describes Mary as a sensitive soul who understood the subtleties of the Kingdom of God through intuition and study, without any mention of a past life of “immorality.” This reinforces the idea that her path was one of devotion to the Master and service to others.

Conclusion: the Truth that Set Us Free

To practice “reasoned faith” is also to pursue historical justice. Mary of Bethany was not seeking forgiveness for a life of vice, but rather fulfillment for her deep thirst for spiritual knowledge.

When we distinguish these figures from one another, we realize that the Gospel embraces everyone: from the soul rising from the abyss of error to the one who, in silence and contemplation, chooses the “better part” at the Master’s side.

May we come to see Mary of Bethany for who she truly was: one of the brightest and most devoted minds within Jesus’ inner circle.

To study the Gospel in the light of History and Spiritism is to lift the veil of the letter that kills in order to encounter the Spirit that gives life.